April 1999

He Got Game
Reviewed by Doug Schneider
DVD Format

Overall Enjoyment:
Picture Quality:
Sound Quality:
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Starring Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich

Directed by Spike Lee

Theatrical Release: 1998
DVD Release: 1998
Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen

He Got Game is a story about the best basketball player to emerge from high school in ages. He is Jesus Shuttlesworth, played by real-life NBA star Ray Allen. His father is Jake, Denzel Washington, who is in prison but can have his sentence reduced by convincing his son to go to the state university. Unlikely story? Hardly, although under a lesser director, the story and even the names and dialog could have turned it into a running joke. Instead, Spike Lee has the talent to turn social settings into epic drama, and while He Got Game is a flawed film, it does offer significant drama and impact.

Jake is in prison for a crime that he did commit. It does not take long for us to learn that he murdered his wife, although the reason does not surface until well into the film. However, with the importance of sports in our society, the Governor cuts Jake a deal that if, within a certain amount of time, he can convince his son to attend the state university, where the Governor himself went, Jake’s sentence will be reduced. Jake is released under the control of parole officers and put into his old neighborhood where Jesus now raises his sister with the help of his aunt and uncle. He has long forgotten his father and no longer wants to know him because of what Jake has done. In turn, He Got Game turns into a story about the father looking for forgiveness from his son -- an interesting twist.

With a main character whose name is Jesus, the writers have a field day with all sorts of predictable sayings, like descriptions of him as "the second coming" and with newspaper headlines like "Jesus Saves." Coaches ask for him to be "delivered" to their team, and he is seen as "salvation" wherever he goes. Of course, there is the whole "father and son" thing (the poster and video boxes even throw in "and the holy game"). Lee manages to use all this to fine effect, and it actually adds to the film, although it seems so preposterous that it could detract.

He Got Game is a compelling, gritty, character-driven drama with a knockout performance by Washington as Jake. He's a man hardened by prison life, but he is seen in flashbacks as person who was trying to do the best for his son. The problem is that although Allen portrays Jesus startlingly well for a non-actor, he just cannot muster up the emotional complexity the character needs. In beautifully shot face-offs with Jake and Jesus, the results should have been electrifying. Everything is there, but the chemistry is missing. A more experienced actor is needed here.  Cuba Gooding, Jr., for example, is too old for this role, but he has the bite and edge that it needs.

Another distracting element of the film is a sub-plot involving Milla Jovovich, who plays a hooker named -- if you can believe it -- Dakota with has a pimp named -- if you can believe this -- Sweetness. Jovovich's New York accent is so forced and bad it must be heard to be believed. A more clichéd element to the story could not have been created, but it gives Jake an obligatory love-interest. Finally, the Aaron Copeland score is more distracting than inspiring. It does not mesh with the tone of the visuals. Moments where groups like Public Enemy surface are too few and far between.

Despite the flaws, there is still plenty to praise in He Got Game. The story is good, and the cinematography and overall look of the film are amazing. Great camera angles, beautiful editing, and inspired flashbacks give a first-rate look to the film. Spike Lee also gets a thumbs up for sneaking Jill Kelly and Chasey Lain into a small scene. Lee reminds me of Oliver Stone -- controversial stories and dialog for sure, but there is no denying his talent for powerful filmmaking. Furthermore, both of these directors’ films in recent years have looked amazing and been technically superb.

DVD extras are unfortunately scant here, with nothing more than the trailer and scene-by-scene selection. This is unfortunate because I would have liked to have heard some commentary or at least seen production credits. Pictures as well as sound transfer are excellent, however.

While for from perfect, He Got Game still has power. It is far better in terms of entertainment and has far more to say than most of the films that get made. It's doubtful that this movie is worth owning, except for diehard Spike Lee fans, but it is definitely worth renting.

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